How to sterilize glass jars for preserves?

Whether to use it for jams, vegetables in oil, pickles or tomato sauce, the sterilization of the jars is a fundamental step to be able to taste the preserves safely and avoid health problems such as botulinum or food poisoning. It is a quick and easy process so it should never be omitted!

There are many sterilization methods (in the oven, in the microwave, in the dishwasher). At our home kitchen, we follow the traditional method boiling in the pot.

Time needed: 20mins

What do you need?

• Jars and caps resistant to high temperatures

• Very large pot

• Clean kitchen towels

How to proceed?

1. Arrange the jars (keep them apart) and lids in a big pot.

2. Add water, make sure the jars are completely submerged.

3. Bring water to a boil, cover and boil jars for15 minutes from the time steam emerges from the pot.

4. Just before filling them, put the jars upside down onto a clean kitchen towel to dry.

Notes:

• Do not add cold food to hot jars, or hot food to cold jars; otherwise, the jar will shatter which is very dangerous.

• Do not use old jam jar lids that are damaged